Sample Images

Here're some quick'n dirty sample images taken with the K10D and RAW-converted via ACR 3.7.

Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window). Please note that the originals are FULL SIZE
(=several megabytes) which requires quite some bandwidth for downloading so please don't waste the limited resources here.

Make

PENTAX Corporation

Model

PENTAX K10D

ISO Speed

100

Focal Length

43.0mm

Exposure Data:

f/1.9 @ 1/1000s

Size

3872x2592

Make

PENTAX Corporation

Model

PENTAX K10D

ISO Speed

100

Focal Length

43.0mm

Exposure Data:

f/2.8 @ 1/400s

Size

2592x3872

Make

PENTAX Corporation

Model

PENTAX K10D

ISO Speed

100

Focal Length

43.0mm

Exposure Data:

f/5.6 @ 1/160s

Size

2592x3872

Make

PENTAX Corporation

Model

PENTAX K10D

ISO Speed

200

Focal Length

43.0mm

Exposure Data:

f/1.9 @ 1/3200s

Size

3872x2592

Make

PENTAX Corporation

Model

PENTAX K10D

ISO Speed

200

Focal Length

43.0mm

Exposure Data:

f/2.8 @ 1/1600s

Size

3872x2592

Make

PENTAX Corporation

Model

PENTAX K10D

ISO Speed

100

Focal Length

43.0mm

Exposure Data:

f/5.6 @ 1/500s

Size

2592x3872

Make

PENTAX Corporation

Model

PENTAX K10D

ISO Speed

100

Focal Length

43.0mm

Exposure Data:

f/1.9 @ 1/1600s

Size

2592x3872

Verdict

Similar to its cousins (DA 40mm f/2.8, FA 50mm f/1.4) the Pentax SMC-FA 43mm f/1.9 Limited
is a very good performer with a few weaknesses. At f/1.9 the contrast and resolution is somewhat soft but beyond the quality is superb and probably as good as it gets on the K10D.
Vignetting and distortions are well controlled whereas CAs could be a little lower for a
fix-focal. I guess many Pentax users will raise an eyebrow or two regarding the following statement but the bokeh (out-of-focus blur) can look a little harsh in certain situations - see the first and fourth sample image above. The build quality of the lens is superb and surely one of the reasons for its rather steep price tag.